Nothing Tastes as Good as Being Skinny Feels
I read the phrase “nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels” on a blog somewhere, but I can’t exactly remember where. I google it, but I can’t find it. It’s not that the phrase isn’t out there anymore. It’s just that it’s so prevalent that finding a particular mention of it is like searching for Nicole Ritchie hiding in a large tub of lard. You know it’s there. But, it’s too hard to find it.
I’m not anorexic but I, like most women, suffer from so-called BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder). If you’re not familiar with the term, people with BDD have a distorted sense of self-image and/or are critical of their physical appearance. We all know of the most extreme cases of alleged anorexia like Paris Hilton and that made-for-TV Lifetime movie starring Tracey Gold. However, more moderate cases are prevalent everywhere around you. Standing in line next to you at the grocery store. Teaching your children at school. Or, of course, typing the words that you’re reading on your computer screen right now. To be clear, I neither vomit after I eat nor starve myself. But, at 5′6″ and 125lbs, I honestly believe that I’m slightly full for my frame. If I ever top 128 (it’s happened before), I hit the gym like a madwoman until I’m back within my acceptable range of 118 – 125 lbs or so.
So, where does all of this come from? Folks who do research on anorexia, bulimia, BDD and other weight-related stuff would tell you that it’s all mental; but, that’s bullshit. What do I mean? Well, Halle Berry and Beyonce combined probably weigh about the same as Jennifer Hudson, right? So, go ask the man nearest you if he’d rather f-ck Jennifer Hudson *or* Halle Berry and Beyonce. Chances are, he’s likely to ask, “Who the f-ck is Jennifer Hudson?” Or, if by some odd chance he actually knows who the hell she is and he says he’d rather f-ck *her*, do me a favor and slap him silly for lying to you like that.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that I’m not crazy. I’m just saying that my BDD, my personal mental state, has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that most heterosexual men and lesbians probably prefer Halle and Beyonce over Jennifer because they’re thinner (read: sexier). It’s nothing that’s ever stated — it’s just something that women know. The French, God love them, are waaay less subtle. Five years ago, one of their commercials for a cereal brand ran with an image of a slender-bodied woman exiting a swimming pool wearing nothing but a tight cherry-red swimsuit. The camera pans up and you hear a voice say: Skinny. You look better that way. BDD = fatphobia. I’m not saying it’s a good thing or I bad thing. I’m just saying it’s a thing. My thing. And, I’m working through it. Why this topic today? Honestly, I don’t know. It’s just something that I’ve been thinking about lately, so I thought that I’d share it with all of you. And, I don’t have any witty or funny closing comments. So, I guess I’ll just end by saying: “Thanks for listening.”
January 25th, 2007 at 1:19 am
Girl!! If you think being 125 is ’slightly’ full for your frame then I’m a lard ass!!
I’m 5′6 and 147 … it’s all boob mass I tell ya!!
;o)
January 25th, 2007 at 1:22 am
I know I’ve read/heard that exact phrase recently, too. I think some chick used it in a commercial for a weight-loss plan.
Interestingly enough, seems how others view my body has no connection to how I view it. I feel (know) I could lose about 15 lbs and tighten up. Bigger friends think I’m tiny, and smaller ones keep their mouthes shut-ROFL. In Chi-Town, it was kind of a given: I look good, but it could be better. I moved back to the South, and it was “you’re so skinny.” One friend actually told me not to lose any more weight.
Needless to say, I’m trying to shed the pounds. Damned BDD.
January 25th, 2007 at 1:49 am
First I must say I really admire that you posted this. That’s probably not the easiest thing to share. One of my bestest def. has BDD…at 5′1” and barely 100lbs she swears she’s fat. I think she’s doing a lot better though b/c it really used to consume her.
Myself at 5′4” 125lbs do not have what I’d call BDD but I actually found myself trying to GAIN weight so I can have a lil’ more ass for my man. Crazy right? And I find myself questioning my motives…do I really want a big ass? Not exactly. I remember always feeling fat or “too big for my age”as young as like 7.
While having a heart to heart w/ that friend of mine we both sort of discovered that most of what we feel or felt about our bodies comes from something a family member said; For her it was her mom closely monitoring what she ate and being obsessed w/ her own weight, and for me constantly being told by my 2 older brothers I was too big or someone else I wasn’t big enough (in the right areas).
Honestly I think it’s something you have to continuously confront in the mirror in your full glory while picking out the things you like. And avoid all media that makes you compare yourself to some model. It’s EVIL! I really think that is how I’ve managed to feel good about my body.
January 25th, 2007 at 4:01 am
I think it’s really good of you to post this, thank you. I had no idea there was even something called BDD so thanks for enlightening me. Beyonce and Halle Bery both are hot but don’t you think they look healthy too? Kiera Knightly for that matter has had her hot moments but of late she looks unhealthily skinny. I think as long as you can tell the difference between the two, and don’t have unhealthy goals for yourself (whoa that skeleton looks totally hot!), you’ll be fine:)
At 5′2 and 98lbs I suppose I am what anyone would call underweight, but it’s more genetic than self-imposed. Nearly everyone I know tells me I’m too skinny but no one ever thinks it’s an eating disorder because most of them have been witness to how much I eat!
January 25th, 2007 at 6:35 am
darwin: lucky you ;)
well, i used to be slightly on the larger side, for europe that is, where everyone’s damn skinny anyway (think julia roberts and nicole kidman – everywhere!) which did not make my teenage years very happy when it came to finding clothes. but there’s a twist there: my mum’s totally skinny, but she grew up in an environment where being skinny there was equal to being fat here. she had tons of problems being thin as a teenager (imagine that). so, it was weird growing up with a mum who said, ‘i wish i had your figure,’ while you always felt you were fat. period. i think that helped me see that it really is a matter of perspective, i.e. where you grew up and what the majority considers beautiful.
now, after some trials and tribulations, and finding a method that keeps me from yo-yoing, i’ve finally come to feel comfortable with my body. i’m not saying my figure’s perfect, oh no, but i’ve stopped fearing the mirror and hating myself, so i think that’s a definite improvement.
though i generally agree with cici that the media is evil when it comes to shape, may i say that it’s nice having people like salma hayek and yes, halle berry and beyoncé knowles on the screen now, who all are women who actually have curves, and don’t look as if they walked straight off a catwalk and into hollywood. i think it’s been something of a relief for those women who have their body structure (curvy and not slim&straight), and it’s just nice seeing that there’s more out there than the skinny people living in the fashion universe.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:07 am
The only thing that Beyonce and Halle have going for them that Jennifer Hudson doesn’t is perhaps a ‘prettier face’. But I must say Jennifer is coming on strong in that department too (it’s amazing what money and the right makeup can do sometimes). When Halle lost weight to play catwoman and Beyonce lost weight for ‘Dreamgirls’…they didn’t look as good or sexy. Haven’t heard much from Halle since, and Beyonce isn’t getting the props she thought she would either. They were just a little too thin, and that’s not sexy.
You have to remember that all men don’t go for stick figures.
There is another saying…I’m sure you’ve heard it before…
“Don’t nobody wants a bone but a dog” – That doesn’t mean you have to be a tub of lard either. Just as long as you’re in your natural weight range for your height. You should be happy with who you are. The media shouldn’t define who or what you should be.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:30 am
This is a great post. It is something that women just know. And men who say otherwise are just lying. Because when we’re all out at the bars and they cat call the the Halle Berrys and the Beyonces, not the Jennifer Hudsons (who is beautiful). Then they’ll turn to you, “But you know I’m not really into that. You know I prefer a woman with meat on her.” WTF! Meat?!
January 25th, 2007 at 10:45 am
I think it was my blog you read that on (in a Friday Five a few weeks ago), but what’s funny about it being un-Googleable is that I know *I* read it on someone else’s blog before I typed it myself, and I couldn’t remember or figure out whose, either!
I too am having a hard time imagining how 126 is “full” for a 5′6″ woman, but I totally understand the sentiment. We all have warped and distorted ideas of our own bodies. Men don’t ever think about this stuff, do they?
January 25th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I also like my women with some ‘padding’, especially in the back. (Nothing worse than bones hitting bones).
FBC: I’ve met you. You’re certifiably nuts… (and very skinny)
Sarah: note that they say meat… (ie. perhaps slightly marbleized
{sp?}, but not fat, unless it’s a fetish)
PS Is commenting on comments by others considered proper etiquette?
January 25th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Women have issues with their weight and appearance all over America, but surely nowhere is it as acute as NYC, except perhaps in LA. I’m not particularly well-traveled USA-wise, but the few places I have been have shocked me with the size of the people. I was raised in NYC and NYC is a skinny, skinny, skinny town.
I’ve never thought of myself as having BDD, and really, as a psych diagnosis BDD is way, way more than “I think I’m fat when I’m not”. I’m talking about people who try to perform plastic surgery on themselves. Seriously disordered people. I’ve always been that annoying girl who says things like “I forgot to eat” or makes it all day on coffee and a bag of popcorn. I was a late bloomer, and when I hit my supersexy mid-20’s I suddenly realized that the skinnier I was, the more attention I got, and that even if it was negative, I was fine with it. I had no problems maintaining my 5′9″ 125. frame. Then I realized I preferred 120. Then 115 was really working for me. 112 was like an epiphany.
Couldn’t really keep up with it, though, and ended up back to 125 in a few years.
My fiancee says I’m the skinniest woman he’s ever been with and that he wished I’d gain 15 pounds, preferable in my ass. He doesn’t understand that when I gain weight it’s sort of spread all over the place and I can’t afford to get any larger than my current 136 because I’ll need all new jeans.
I hate, hate hate being 136 and I know that’s really, really stupid. But I just hate it. I love, however, that I’m with a man who thinks I’m still too thin and I love that I eat absolutely anything and everything now.
Sometimes when a man says he prefers Jennifer Hudson over Halle Berry he’s telling the truth. My Irish Sweety Bear who has always dated (in his own words) “Big Sistas”, would go for Jen over Halle in a heartbeat.
January 25th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Welcome to La La Land –
I work out 6 days weekand eat well, but my post-holiday pounds topped me at 128 – I know I look just fine, but I just FEEL better at my “fightin’ weight” (that is, slinking into Sona wearing my favorite DVF little black dress), of 122 pounds, so I’m on a ten-day fast.
For me, it’s not about men because I know I’m in great shape and a toned body is Some-Kinda-Sexy in any size; I also think most of the skinny girls out here are scrawny because they can’t cook :), and I love food. The guys out here are definitely attracted to skinny, but those types run away screaming when I attempt to discuss art, politics, or anything multi-syllabic, so there ya go.
But in the industry “you can never be too rich or too thin” is a daily affirmation and your success is absolutely effected by your appearance – your project/idea/talent/opinion is only as good as YOU look. As a person of color, getting in the door is challenging enough – if part of the deal is staying between a size 2 and 4, I’ll do it as long as I can. No way i’m going under the knife, though.
January 25th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
I laugh because the morning show had a part on with Tyra Banks this morning because she was getting a lot of flack for gaining weight (I think she is 161 now). She said that she was feeling better than ever and just as sexy. However, she knew the pressure to be model thin and now was glad not to have to live up to that image any more.
I think a lot of women have BDD, it is just something that starts early (gym class usually) and kind of builds. I am 5′6, 180lbs…I used to be 290lbs so I have some perspective on my build but even though I am much happier now, I still look at my thighs and wish they were different LOL :) I think we all struggle with it and all have parts of our body we will never be happy with :)
I met my first goal to maintain my weight for 2 years (been there and done that), this year it is to drop 30 pounds (over the year) and then maintain that :)
Great Topic!!!
January 25th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
I’m a guy.. honest.. I really am and I don’t think BDD is for women only!
I am very “aware” of my body.. go to the gym, play lots of sports and all for what? Fitness? No, fitness is just an excuse, I just want to look good. Which inturn makes me feel good.
I’m obsessive over a six pack, and i’m almost there.. and that almost is a killer!!!
January 25th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
and if you, funky brown chick, with your insane body think that you’re body is “too full,” then what hope is there for the rest of us????
January 25th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Oh well, this thread has inspired me to hit the gym. i want an insane body. i want the people around me to go CRAZY
January 26th, 2007 at 7:03 am
First of all, huge THANK YOU to everyone who shared their stories. I was kind of self-conscious about putting this post up. I didn’t know how people would react and I certainly didn’t want to offend anyone. Blogging is an odd thing. It’s private and so very personal at the same time. But, I digress. On with the show …
Bexxie: I would love to huge big boobies! :) Oddly enough, when I gain weight, it goes to my face & hips first. BUT, when I lose weight, I lose it from my boobs first.
mcnappy: I think a lot of it was to do with your surroundings. I could get on an airplane in New York wearing minimal makeup, a cute top, pants and heeled shoes. I’d be considered average or plain. But, when I got off of the airplane in rural Illinois, people would wonder why I was so dressed up. In New York, the answer to the question, “why are you so dressed up” is “because I’m leaving my house.” I wrote a post about this ages ago: Models and Mortals.
cici: You said, While having a heart to heart w/ that friend of mine we both sort of discovered that most of what we feel or felt about our bodies comes from something a family member said. I totally agree. My sister used to (innocently) say that she wished that she could be “big and curvy” like me. I was 15. In my mind, curvy = fat.
Darwin: Good point! Beyonce and Halle are slender, but they aren’t sickeningly skinny like Kiera Knightly or Nicole Ritchie. There’s a difference. By the way, you’re the same size that my sister is. If you guys haven’t seen Darwin, check her out. She’s hot. ;-)
Firefly: I totally agree. I’m probably average weight in New York, thin in the Midwest, severely anorexic in the South, and grotesquely overweight in Los Angeles. :-)
Dusty: Yeah, I’ve heard that saying. But, I’m gonna have to agree with Error Boy’s comments below. There’s a difference between meat and fat.
Sarah: Yeah, I think the difference between “a bit of meat on her bones” and fat. Beyonce & J-Lo are considered to have “meat on their bones”. Jennifer Hudson would probably be considered fat, EVEN THOUGH she’s probably just the same size of the average woman out there. We all have such warped views on weight.
stefanie: YAY!!! THANK YOU!!! It was your blog. That was killing me. I thought, “I know I read it recently and it was on a blog that I read on a regular basis.” But, I couldn’t remember WHICH blog. Thanks, babes! :)
ErrorBoy: In my own defense, I’ve never said that I *wasn’t* crazy. :) And, no, it’s not improper to comment on others’ comments. I did it every day. :) As long as you’re kind, you can pretty much say anything to anyone around here.
missb: NYC is a skinny town. I never really felt that big in Chicago. I moved here and I feel like I need to lose a little bit of weight. I’m not talking anything drastic. Maybe 5 – 10 pounds. But, as you’ve noted, it’s a slippery slope. People NOTICE when you lose weight. So, if I look tight and toned at 125, how much better will 120 look? And, if 120 looks good, what about 115? Oh, believe me, I KNOW what you mean about this stuff. When I was in grad school the first time around, I was super stressed out. So, as usual, I hit the gym. But, I was going waaaay too much. I lost almost 25 lbs. Friends started “having talks with me” about my weight. Since then, I’ve actually instituted a “floor” for my weight. I won’t allow myself to weight less than 115. And, by the way, you’re soooo right about New York being a “skinny, skinny, skinny town”. And, of course, congrats on finding your Irish Sweety Bear. He sounds like a winner. Then again, Irish Sweety Bears are *always* winners. :)
Susan: I love that: “fightin’ weight”. I gotta use that some time. :) And, just out of curiosity … You mentioned the ten-day fast. Is this that lemonade diet that everyone seems to be on lately? Although there are times that I eat more healthy than others, I’ve never tried any the dieting stuff. In general, I think there are two types of weight-loss people: those who can control the number of calories they put in their body and those who can control the number of calories they burn off. I’ve never been good at controlling what I put in my body. (If I want a cholocate cookie, I’m gonna eat it.) But, I’m really good at burning calories. I like the runner’s high. And, I love kickboxing. By the way, you said, “if part of the deal is staying between a size 2 and 4, I’ll do it as long as I can.” Yeah, in the industry (and in New York), the saying is “6 is the new fat.” That’s kind of depressing.
History Chic: Losing weight isn’t easy. Maintaining the new weight, of course, is even harder. So, seriously, congrats on your weight loss. :-)
Momok: Yeah, I think there’s a lot of pressure on guys now, too. It’s not the same as the pressure that’s on women, but it is there.
Rochelle: Hit the gym?!?!?! Okay, first of all, *YOU* are waaaaay taller than I am and you’re already at a great weight. So, I don’t wanna hear it from you. :-) You *KNOW* you’re sexy! Actually, if there was a “Vote for the Sexiest Woman Alive” contest, you would win it. And, you have!!!! :-) People already go CRAZY about you.
January 26th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
FBC – i also agree with you and cici, that family can often be too familiar; last xmas after baking 4 pies for my mom, brother and the extended family dinner, my uncle (the host) greeted my at the door with – and i kid you not – “hey, niece, you’re lookin’ thick.” i took my fat butt and my fat pies home where my brother took care of then (metabolism of a tse-tse fly – i hate him. ;)
yes, i’m on the Master Cleanse Lemonade diet, also known as the B-Level Talent and Management Golden Globes/Spirit/Academy Awards Diet. i love the weight loss, but the better benefits are 1) “cleaning out the pipes,” especially after months of eating a lot things i shouldn’t (like dairy and holiday stuff); 2) clearing up my complexion – it’s WONDERFUL for this, and eliminates the need for Botox aka “taking a long lunch;” 3) realizing how much time i spend thinking about and planning eating – we americans are ADDICTED to food in so many ways, you know? people ask “how can you do it – don’t you love pizza?” guess what – the pizza will be there next week, and quite probably the week after, too…
i will also add the cleanse is great to do during your menstrual cycle – you can’t bloat and cramp when you’re not eating anything that bloats and cramps you. gotta love that.
something else occured to me while sitting in the front row of a Take 6 performance i attended last night; they were great btw. My dress and fit fine, but i hadn’t worn it in a while and it didn’t drape like it usually does. I like the drape. you like the drape. we all like the drape. so, i’m on the fast. day 3, so far so good.
January 26th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
p.s. – i only mentioned sitting the front row because at 128 lbs. i am BUSTY. Take 6 was “taking two” through most of the set and i couldn’t move because the ushers sat me there and the guy next to me left. like immediately because the seats were too close. i tried to hide them with my mineral water bottle, but then they’d ask the audience to clap, which didn’t help at all…
oy vey!
January 28th, 2007 at 3:06 am
You struck a nerve, so I had to write more than a comment, so I linked you….
January 28th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Susan: Yeah, I seem to know a lot of people on that diet.
Lala: Awwwww, thanks! :-)
February 10th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
thats a rough situation to be skinny and think you are not attractive
but then think of all of the people that are way overweight
and think they are sexy
I think they have the same disorder just backwards
I hope that you can find someone that will treat you as their sex toy maybe that may help if you find someone else feels you are pretty
February 11th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Did you read my post???? :)
I did *not* say that I don’t think I’m attractive. That’s not the case at all. The point of what I write here is that I think it’s our society, not individual women, that holds “skinny” in high esteem.
February 19th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Im so fat. I see myself as the most revolting person onthis earth. I am 5′2 and weight a wopping 90lbs!!!!!!!!!!
Its so disgusting!! I want to be 80lbs
February 20th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
“Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels” is a phrase often thrown around on weight loss forums like Weight Watchers and the South Beach boards. :)
February 20th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Ellie: I’m sure you’re kidding; however, just to provide a bit of perspective on this issue since, you know, I’m the one who brought it up … Here’s a chart of “average” — for whatever that means — height / weight proportional ranges for women with small, medium, and large frames (in that order):
6′ 138 to 151 lb 148 to 162 lb 158 to 179 lb
5′11″ 135 to 148 lb 145 to 159 lb 155 to 176 lb
5′10″ 132 to 145 lb 142 to 156 lb 152 to 173 lb
5′9″ 129 to 142 lb 139 to 153 lb 149 to 170 lb
5′8″ 126 to 139 lb 136 to 150 lb 146 to 167 lb
5′7″ 123 to 136 lb 133 to 147 lb 143 to 163 lb
5′6″ 120 to 133 lb 130 to 144 lb 140 to 159 lb
5′5″ 117 to 130 lb 127 to 141 lb 137 to 155 lb
5′4″ 114 to 127 lb 124 to 138 lb 134 to 151 lb
5′3″ 111 to 124 lb 121 to 135 lb 131 to 147 lb
5′2″ 108 to 121 lb 118 to 132 lb 128 to 143 lb
5′1″ 106 to 118 lb 115 to 129 lb 125 to 140 lb
wendy: So THAT’S where that comes from??? :-) I told my friend “Bro-Bro” about the phrase and she said, “That’s a lie! There are PLENTY of things that taste better than being thin feels. Like, pizza, for example!” She’s funny.
April 27th, 2007 at 9:39 am
The nice thing about phobias is that they can usually be easily resolved with two to three sessions. So, Jennifer can reign–aside from the fact she does look quite fabulous post “Dream Girls.”
May 5th, 2007 at 11:06 am
BDD is not an eating disorder..and the majority of people do not have it..because you have issues with the way you look, does not mean you have bdd.
between one percent and two percent of the population have it, i am a sufferer-ive been to a mental hospital because of this..
and you have made it sound like a joke and that everyone has it.
thank you.
as if it didnt hurt enough….
I’m a guy.. honest.. I really am and I don’t think BDD is for women only!
I am very “aware” of my body.. go to the gym, play lots of sports and all for what? Fitness? No, fitness is just an excuse, I just want to look good. Which inturn makes me feel good.
I’m obsessive over a six pack, and i’m almost there.. and that almost is a killer!!!
May 5th, 2007 at 11:07 am
that has nothing to do with bdd!!!!!!!!!
i went into hospital with a blanket over my head, i dont have my picture taken, i dont like leaving my house….
going to the gym to achieve your “ideal” body has NOTHING to do with bdd.
May 5th, 2007 at 11:10 am
The DSM says that BDD is present when other mental disorders like anorexia are not
“Another mental disorder (such as Anorexia Nervosa) does not better explain the preoccupation. ”
THIS DESTROYS PEOPLES LIVES, MANY PEOPLE WITH IT WILL ATTEMPT SUICDE, HOSPITLIZATION IS NOT UNCOMMON…..
May 5th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Please, before you claim to have a severe mental disorder, read about it. Educate yourself. BDD is not anorexia or being weight-concious.
I know sufferers of this disorder. They cannot leave their homes, have prolonged rituals of “mirror checking” make up applying” etc similar to that of obsessive compulsive disorder. Simply not wanting to be fat and comparing yourself to other women is NORMAL. Having severe panic attacks or major depressice episodes over it isn’t.
Only 1-2% of the population suffers from this disorder, not “MANY” women. This is a gross exaggeration and you are misleading alot of people.
This is a serious, life-altering and life-stunting condition. It’s not just a title you can throw around. It’s not a game. 80% of people with BDD are at a suicide risk. So it’s not a play thing. If you are weight concious- that’s NORMAL. If you cannot leave your house or have panic epsiodes where you cannot breathe and go through obsessive rituals you may have BDD. If you are starving yourself or throwing up, you have anorexia or bulemia.
We all have a tendency to read things and apply them to us because in a book you cannot see a real life example. For example, some people may think they are schizohreic because they “retreat away from people”, but when tey see that this means a person is completely motionless and repeats one movement all day long, they abandon that theory.
Please take time to read up on disorders.
May 5th, 2007 at 11:39 am
If you want to take a look at BDD, real BDD, take a look at this glimpse of it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ8FzVEDEuk
Beucase this video is short, it does not show you that people go through this everyday for years until they are able to find help. They are too scared to say anything in fear of sounding vain. They are in a situation where their life is lipping away in front of the mirror, in obessive thoughts and constant depression.
Body image is something everyone goes through therefore body image is not particularly bdd related. This is similar to thinking you are ugly and nothing can redeem you, no amount of kisses, hugs, comments..nothing makes you feel better. It is coupled with depression and anxiety. People can’t hold jobs or interact socially. They do not leave their homes unless necessary. These are the people you see in the bathroom mirror everytime you walk in. They feel as if someone is going to think they are too ugly. It’s not your game, it’s not your bdd, it’s not your play title. I’m sick of mental illness being a part of pop culture, some cutesy title you can give yourself. It’s not. It’s life-stunting and life-THREATENING.
Pick up a DSM-IV(R).
May 5th, 2007 at 11:47 am
Or better yet, if you really think you have BDD, go get diagnosed by a psychiatrist. If you really think that your “so-called BDD” is threatening your life, pushing you away from reality, if you believe that you are too ugly to live, go get diagnosed. Because if you really have BDD your life has been widdled down to a pulp as well as your soul and you must get help. If you can obviously function in life and in your head (ie you say youre not “crazy” and thanks by the way for that condescending remark. Mentally ill people have been through hell and back with people thinking theyre weird or demon possessed. There is so much stigma in being mentally ill. BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU THROW AROUND THAT TITLE) than guess what…you dont have bdd.
You are misleading alot of people.
May 5th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I agree with the other posters. BDD is a severe mental disorder that results in death for many people. Do not confuse it with normal appearance concerns.
It has nothing to do with fatphobia. In fact, techinically, you could be fat and have BDD. I have been diagnosed, but my weight is not a major concern of mine. However, I have tried to cut my own nose off with a paring knife.
I am recovering, but everyday I wake up and somehow find the will power to not hurt myself, to not die, to go to work despite the fact that I often feel like I don’t look human. Please do not cheapen that struggle with your comments.
BDD is not mere fatphobia, it is devestating. Just as people who are a little kooky are not considered schizophrenic, people who are afraid of gainning a pound or two don’t automatically have BDD.
Do your research.
May 5th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Hey,
I agree with kpp, Kat, Jonathan, and whoever else posted the truth about BDD. BDD is LIFE THREATENING! Do you feel like dying every waking day of your life? With every fibre of my inner being I hate my face/the way i look, which has ultimately led me to hate myself. This is what BDD is, it is not just about your weight, there is severe anxiety and depression that comes along with it too. Kpp you said it well with BDD having widdled one’s soul to a pulp. It literally has destroyed people. This is a terrible debilitating disorder and I hope anyone who suffers from it can get through it with the help and support that is greatly needed with such a condition.
May 7th, 2007 at 1:48 am
Yay!!! Let the Eating Disorder Olympics begin!!! :-) My problem is more severe than yours. No, no, no, *mine* is more serious. No, me.
Come on, folks. Really. I wasn’t making a joke of anyone’s problems. I was sharing a bit about how *I* feel. As with most things in life, these things fall along a continuum. Some people have, indeed, been hospitalized because of eating disorders. Some haven’t. Some have died from them. Some are still living. I don’t really make it a habit to compare myself against others; because, with everything, someone’s always got it better than you. And, someone has it worse. Life goes on.